Animal Services Officer Violently Attacked – One in Custody After Short Foot Pursuit

SPRING HILL – Several deputies responded to 1126 Bolander Ave this evening, after dispatch received a frantic call from an Animal Services Officer who says she was being physically attacked by a man outside of the residence.

RNRF arrived on scene, just as numerous deputies cautiously approached the residence wielding protective shields. Deputies searched the home and discovered that the suspect had fled on foot before their arrival.

A K-9 unit arrived on the scene and began tracking the suspect in a wooded area behind the residence. Within 30 minutes, the suspect was located a few houses away, hiding in a shed. He was taken into custody without incident and transported to the Sheriff’s Office for questioning.

An official report has not been released by the Sheriff’s Office but sources say the suspect is identified as Benjamin Franklin Gary Jr. There are unconfirmed reports that Gary will be charged with 2 counts of Battery, 1 count of Battery on a Law Enforcement Officer, and Resisting Arrest with Violence.

One neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, said the man has caused trouble in the neighborhood for a long time and that he suspects the suspect trains dogs to be violent.

The Animal Services Officer did not appear to be injured and Fire Rescue was not dispatched to the scene.

Hilda

Camellia Wright

Minding your business if you don’t know all the facts is relevant. Every body is innocent until proven guilty. As no animals were taken there must have been none in danger health or otherwise. Two if the officer had been assaulted why was there no physical evidence. Three neighbors are not the best source of information as we are subject to their biased opinion rather than the actual facts. And last but least size is sometimes irrelevant as it does not hinder all persons from doing their duty.

Saturday, 20 June 2015, 10:28 am

EarthOrphan

George

We are the neighbors who not only spoke up, but my wife and I have been the recipients of the stress of a seven year nuisance issue which amounts to psychological torture. It is a shame that sometimes neighbors have to be advocates for the helpless animals and suffer the result of irresponsible owners. Although the arrest is over, the conflict and stress for us is not.

When abuse or neglect occurs, responsible people must stand up and intervene in whatever way is appropriate for the benefit of victims who have little or no recourse. Law abiding citizens can do much to help improve our communities. Law enforcement agencies have their hands full in dealing with dangerous situations on a daily basis. Each citizen in our communities can do something to support and encourage the many Police Officers who literally risk their lives making our communities a safer place to live; even if it is just an effort made to say, thanks!

We are thankful to all the police officers who responded to the request for assistance Tuesday evening. We were right in the middle of this situation and witnessed firsthand how each of the officers independently, beginning with the Animal Services Officer, assessed the situation and took their positions to contain a threat. We witnessed an orderly containment of the properties involved so that all parties would be safe in a possible life threatening situation.

We are grateful to all the officers who responded to avert any further violence. Thank you Hernando County Sheriff’s Office and staff for a job well done!

David

I would imagine there are a lot better shape than any of you skinny crack heads out there talking crap, and the people to talk to most crap they’re the ones that always call the police first when they’re in trouble or hurt

michelle

I’d be willing to bet his taser and will go faster than you can run and that extra weight helps sitting on the crazed 200 pounder on PCP where the taser does not work or maybe he should just shoot them.those people are a waste of human skin any way,and my tax dollars to take care of them in jail or down the street getting ssd it’s not a sickness its a choice.

Wednesday, 17 June 2015, 7:02 pm

boschamps..

Mabel

Never assume or inquiring minds want to know:
What breed and how many dogs did he own?
Is AC Officer ok?
I know that bond is $21,500. with serious charges.
Says no contact with victim – who is the victim? ACO?
Take alcohol out of the picture…..
Still….I think the dog(s) needed help….any more info?

Just Me

Brooksville Belle

I’m with you on this one DeeplyConcerned. Kudos to the neighbor also for speaking up. Maybe they will keep and eye out on that house now. As for the snide comments about our officers… I bet you wouldn’t give a crap if his pants were pulled up if he was saving your life.
Don’t disrespect our deputies when they are out there protecting and serving you! If you don’t like they way they look? Then take your skinny behind out there and become one and pull your pants up as high as you want. Just don’t don’t talk crap!
They got the criminal and that’s all that matters! Thank you once again HCSO!

Wednesday, 17 June 2015, 9:54 am

Earl

So we are informed about a THUG attacking one of our LEO’S and have 2 comments about the weight and pulling up pants of our officers. I wish the world I lived in was just so perfect that I could focus on the little things.

Every incident can be questioned unless there is video, but in this case, the Animal Control Officer left her mic open; allowing the attack to be heard. In addition, innocent people usually do not run and hide from law enforcement. Also a law enforcement officer doesn’t have to be injured for a Battery on a LEO charge to apply. Just give one a push and you could go to jail.

Friday, 19 June 2015, 11:26 am

Pamala Little

I agree with Tim’s comment above. We have many fit looking officers in this County. I was surprised to see so many in one place that aren’t that fit and neat looking. I also am not bashing anyone. They just don’t look healthy enough to keep up with criminals and keep themselves safe. I think the Sheriffs Department needs to start a fitness program for the county officers.

Wednesday, 17 June 2015, 3:13 am

DeeplyConcerned

Drug dealers and DUI arrests make people lose their damn minds on this site, but this deplorable piece of s**t is suspected of animal cruelty and training dogs to fight and not a single person has an opinion!? Animal cruelty is a sick, disgusting crime and needs to be treated as such. Oh, not to mention they clearly have no problem assaulting women, either. If nothing serious is done, this person will one day commit quite the heinous crime. That’s all I’m saying…

TIM

Why are there so many over weight officers? This day and age they need to be physically fit, how are they to run after a suspect who flees on foot and back up is mins away. I thought the sheriff’s office had high expectations of there officers how would one be able to graduate the academy? Not trying to bash anyone here just my opinion I know we have great officers out there but we all need to take care of ourselves and each other.

Tuesday, 16 June 2015, 9:28 pm

Earl

What the Hell is wrong with these ignorant people? Where do they think it is ever alright to assault our LEO’s? There will always be more officers than needed. People are failing as parents to raise children into adults that have no respect for authority or themselves.